‘American Idol’ stars dish on friendship: ‘We’re not thin-skinned’
Ryan Seacrest, Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan chat with USA TODAY’s KiMi Robinson ahead of the “American Idol” season premiere.
“American Idol” has crowned another winner.
Abi Carter, a 21-year-old musician from Indio, California won the popular vote to become the “American Idol” Season 22 champion during Sunday night’s finale.
Jack Blocker, a 25-year-old graphic designer from Dallas, Texas, and Will Moseley, a 23-year-old musician from Hazelhurst, Georgia, were the runners-up.
The who’s who of the music industry was on hand to build up the suspense over the course of the three-hour finale, which featured guest performers Jon Bon Jovi, 2004 winner Fantasia Barrino, Jason Mraz, Wynonna Judd, Seal, New Kinds on the Block and more.
Of course, there were also judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan, who along with host Ryan Seacrest were mourning Perry’s final episode of the musical competition show.
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Truthfully, it was Abi’s to lose as soon as the audience awarded her first performance with applause so long that she broke down in tears and Bryan struggled to get a word in edgewise. What sealed the deal was the approval of none other than Billie Eilish.
“I wish you nothing but the best,” the Grammy winner said in a pre-recorded video that left Abi sinking to the floor in shock. “I’m here to support you, and I love ya.”
Abi had the judges – and viewers – entranced since she auditioned with Eilish’s awards bait “Barbie” song, “What Was I Made For?” which earned her one of three platinum tickets.
Here’s what else happened during tonight’s finale.
What did the ‘American Idol’ finalists sing?
Abi Carter:
- “Bed of Roses” by Jon Bon Jovi
- “Somewhere” from “West Side Story”
- “River” – duet with Bishop Briggs
- “This Isn’t Over” – original single
Will Moseley:
- “It’s My Life” by Jon Bon Jovi
- “My Town” by Montgomery Gentry
- “Hold My Hand” and “Only Wanna Be With You” – duet with Hootie and the Blowfish
- “Good Book Bad” – original single
Jack Blocker:
- “I’ll Be There for You” by Jon Bon Jovi
- “All My Ex’s Live in Texas” by George Strait
- “What Makes A Woman” – duet with Katy Perry
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Who was in the ‘American Idol’ Top 12 on Season 22?
- Abi Carter
- Will Moseley
- Jack Blocker
- Emmy Russell
- Triston Harper
- Julia Gagnon
- Mckenna Breinholt
- Kaibrienne “KB” Richins
- Sam “Kayko” Kelly-Cohen
- Mia Matthews
- Roman Collins
- Jayna Elise
Carol Dennis is an entertainment aficionado with an eye for all things pop culture. She dives into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry, from movie premieres to music festivals. Carol’s passion for storytelling extends beyond her reporting, as she’s an aspiring screenwriter in her free time.
